Artist John Bell and  The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art are pleased to invite you for a social evening based around performance art, Friday September 28th, 7:00 p.m. The dinner is a fundraiser for the museum and will offer guests an artisan meal, fine beverages, and the opportunity to observe-and participate in-a work of performance art of a kind never before experienced in Utah.

Bell plays host to this uncommon dinner party, entitled The Next Supper in which guests are the subject, the art and the artist. During The Next Supper, the dining tables are covered with canvases the artist screen-prints with text and images that serve as both provocation and backdrop. Bell will encourage guests to use their food and other elements on the table, including wine, candle wax, flowers and utensils, to react to and complete the canvases. The artist will assume the role of facilitator and documentarian, and the result will be a participatory work of art between the artist and dinner guests.

The performance will take place in the cavernous Main Gallery of the museum. The evening will start with a classic cocktail and wine reception; compliments of Southern Wine & Spirits and will feature a multi course meal by chef Ryan Lowder of The Copper Onion complimented with a wine pairing from Bottleneck Wines.   

In addition to the performance, Bell will mount a solo exhibition of work. A portion of the proceeds of the sales benefit the mission and vision of the UMOCA.  

Take a look at an earlier iteration of the artist's performance in the streets of L.A.'s Chinatown last summer in which an enthusiastic crowd vied for a coveted seat at the table.  

John Bell: Perform Chinatown 2011